Andre Botelho’s Soccer Coaching Blog

It’s been a while since I wrote my last “Expert Soccer Coaching Tips” newsletter issue… but there’s a good reason for that.

I was finishing my new web site and that’s why I’ve been so quite lately. But I finally did it and I want to know what you think about it before we dive in…

So take a look at my new web site design and content at www.SoccerDrillsTips.com, just make yourself at home, and when you finish let me know what you think by filling out a quick feedback survey right here. I really appreciate your opinion and insist in reading it personally.

(make sure you surf the menu and different topics articles like soccer drills, soccer coaching, soccer fitness, soccer skills, soccer formations, soccer training and soccer rules… there’s a lot of great new content there and I hope you enjoy it.)

Now Let’s Dive Into Ball Control…

Today I’ll talk a little about ball control… and by “controlling” the ball I don’t mean the type of ball control you can see in the video below (which can also be a way of making a lot of money with soccer without even standing)…

Getting Back To The Definition Of “Ball Control”…

You must keep in mind that the first touch protects the ball from tough players and does not give them an opportunity to get back possession.

A weak first touch will risk taking the impetus out of play. It will also increase the chance of losing possession. Some players commit the mistake of killing the ball dead.

Such players need to concentrate on getting it out of their feet. The common method for controlling the ball needs quite a few simple skills, which can be obtained through correct training practices.

The basic element in ball control is placing the controlling surface into the line of flight of the ball. Since the body weight is well dispersed, it is possible to move forward, backward or even sideways.

Keep the head steady and watch the ball carefully to judge its flight and speed. The second step involves making an early judgment in deciding the right method and body surface in order to control.

Ball control needs a good mental ability, concentration and confidence. A good soccer player should be calm and composed and make his moves in a relaxed manner. If they are confident in what they do, then it will reflect in the techniques.

There are basically two kinds of ball control:

• Cushion control usually takes the sting out of the ball by basically pulling back the controlling surface during impact. This absorbs the force of the ball so that it drops down to the feet.

• Wedge control makes the controlling surface more rigid. By controlling surface I mean, the sole of the soccer boots. This helps in wedging the ball between him and the ground.

Some basic tips for teaching ball control:

• You need to teach your players to move into position in order to capture the ball early.

• They must select the controlling surface early and place in the path of the ball.

• Teach your players to use their arms to balance themselves.

• Keep their eyes on the ball to judge the speed and direction.

• Stay cool and relaxed.

• Keep their head steady.

Your players can control the ball with just about anything, be it inside, outside or the sole of the foot. They may also use your thigh, chest or head.

Only when the players have gained sufficient confidence in their style and technique, should you increase the difficulty of the practice session.

You can then ask them to control the ball while moving at a high speed or control it for a team member. You can also ask them to control the ball against defenders.

But all these changes should only be introduced after they have reached the required level of confidence in the game. In the next issue (next week) I’ll give you a great ball control drill so you can test it with your players.

That’s it for today.

And don’t forget to:

Step1: Check what’s new at my web site at http://www.SoccerDrillsTips.com/sitemap.html

Step2: Leave your feedback so I can improve based on your valuable opinion by filling out this quick feedback survey right here.

Thanks and “see” you soon…

Andre Botelho

PS: Did you download the “Youth Soccer Coaching Manifesto”, “The Missing Coaching Chapter” and “The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide” yet? - It’s my gift to you as a way to say “thank you” for your patience and to celebrate the launch of my new web site. You can get it ALL FREE by clicking on the images below:

* (to download - make sure you use the same email address where you received my last email message, or it may not work)

Tags: Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide, Missing Coaching Chapter, Soccer Ball Control, Youth Soccer Coaching Manifesto